Mozambique holds rate on global risks, higher C/A deficit
Mozambique’s central bank left its benchmark standing facility rate steady at 7.50 percent, noting the increased risks in the international financial markets and economy along with the persistent strengthening of the U.S. dollar and volatile prices of raw materials that resulted in an increase in the country’s current account deficit.
The Bank of Mozambique, which has maintained its rates this year after cutting by 75 basis points in 2014, noted the favourable evolution of inflation that reflects increased production and supply of fruits and vegetables and a slowdown in the depreciation of the metical’s exchange rate.
Mozambique’s current account deficit widened by US$152 million, or by $351 million excluding major projects, to $959.6 million, or $621.3 million excluding major projects, in the first quarter of 2015 compared with the first quarter of 2014.
The exchange rate of the metical in the segment of the interbank market where commercial banks deal with clients was 39.96 to the U.S. dollar on the last day of June, for a monthly depreciation of 7.33 percent and an annual drop of 26.34 percent due to the strength of the U.S. dollar and the deterioration in the current account balance due to unfavorable raw materials prices.
However, due to the central bank’s measures in the first week of July there was a slowdown in the metical’s depreciation, with its exchange rate at 38.5 to the dollar in the commercial market segment.
Mozambique’s Net International Reserves (NIR) rose by US$146 million to $2.6 billion, according to provisional June data, $50 million above target, reflecting purchases by the central bank totaling $147 million and disbursement of external funds in favor of state projects worth $43 million.
Mozambique’s inflation rate rose slightly to 1.36 percent in June from 1.29 percent in May.
In the first quarter of this year, Mozambique’s Gross Domestic Product expanded by an annual rate of 5.9 percent, down from 7.9 percent seen in the fourth quarter of 2014.
www.CentralBankNews.info
Source: http://www.centralbanknews.info/2015/07/mozambique-holds-rate-on-global-risks.html
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).